The raw vegan lifestyle in Ottawa Canada

Being there

After a sad and very emotional holiday season grieving the loss of my father, I am gently easing my way back. Yuri touched many with his warmth, charm and passion for life. He loved skiing in the mountains, classical music, art, languages, the opera, and was a familiar face at the National Art Center, the Chamber Music Festival, the German and International Clubs and Bytowne Cinema. Thanks to everyone for all the letters, emails, phone calls, hugs and prayers.

Having loved ones closeby has been comforting and I am grateful for the company of friends, family and for my husband Mark who has been a tremendous pillar of support throughout this most challenging time. Often people don’t know what to do or may feel helpless but by just being there to lend an ear or shoulder helps ease some pain – even if spent in silence. Mark’s ever positive & outgoing character managed to get our families (7 adults, 4 kids & Mark’s father’s dog Hudson) out for a snowshoe near Wakefield one afternoon. The day turned out to be such an uplifting 3 hours of laughter, fresh air and bushwacking away from it all — despite getting lost ultra deep snow (what fun!) and taking the long route back…

It’s been difficult to think of food let alone prepare it these weeks so I’ve been relying largely on bee pollen, e3live, chlorella & spirulina tablets for nourishment. I’ve been off green smoothies and juices nearly 4 weeks now, instead I am drawn to more comforting foods such as blended green soups & Patti’s Essene bread.